The New Testament was not written to provide instruction in political philosophy, but to encourage people who did not have the ability to vote, did not have political agency, and were not going to have political agency in the foreseeable future. The New Testament was written to encourage people that Jesus Christ is making all things new. -- Bumper …

NEW SERIES: The Church in the Public Square In the first episode of Season 4, Michael talks with Pastor David Bailey of Arrabon about the role that the church could and should play in forming disciples that not only welcome diversity but also seek reconciliation. They also discuss their love of bow ties, and offer some insights on how pastors can n…

Michael and Dr. Mullen discuss connecting the social implications of the gospel to the salvific, the messiness of pastors trying to navigate social media's impact on ideological development, the impact of the "Big Sort" on mission, and whether people "have" opinions or "are" their opinions, the false humility of individualized truth claims, "changi…

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education, working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations. Works Cited The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003) -- Bumper music: The Diplom…

Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance of switchbacks, and how many books Dr. Newman has actually written. For NPR's interview with Christopher …

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation. Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of mental health to ideological discernment, the development of partisan polarization, power plays and changing the w…

In this episode, Michael hosts "D.B." and "Supe," two Chicago area pastors from vastly different demographic contexts living in the same Congressional District. Together, they explain how their love of the gospel and excellent preaching formed a friendship that pulled both into the work of racial reconciliation in their individual congregations. Fi…

In this episode of the podcast, we dig back into the vault (aka Michael's computer) for another gem for the much-heralded "Tommy Tapes" delivered in 1995 during a church planting conference. In the public square, networking is an essential skill for flourishing. It is how relationships are made, opportunities opened, and agendas advanced. And, whil…

Michael and Jeremy discuss three recent articles from David Brooks, Peter Leithart, and Anne Snyder which all explore the ramifications of locating our identity in the therapeutic-driven constructions of culture: David Brooks, "Hey America, Grow Up" from the New York Times Peter Leithart, "Man Up!" from First Things Ann Snyder, "Words Against Flesh…

The trial of Jesus in Matthew 27 provides some fairly pointed insight and commentary on how we view those serving and leading in government. In this episode, Michael unpacks how the gospel upends our political values and exposes our political longings. -- Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discip…

In Washington, and everywhere else, flourishing and success often comes to those that freely use unrighteous and unjust means to get there and those who remain faithful often feel as though they do not receive what they deserve from God for being faithful. In this episode, Michael speaks to this situation using a number of Psalms. -- Bumper music: …

In this episode Michael outlines and examines the four questions of Faithful Presence which are: 1: What is good that needs encouragement? 2: What is broken that requires restoration? 3: What is missing that awaits creation? 4: What is evil that demands opposition? -- Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whol…

In this episode, Michael shares a rare recording of Dr. Tim Keller giving a seminar to a small group of church planters circa 1995 (before any of his published works). While aimed at church planters, this talk is universally helpful in navigating culture in a post-modern and post-Christian world, overcoming defeaters to Christian faith claims, and …

In this episode, Michael explores three aspects of insecurity: uncertainty, weakness and unease, and how these realities of our humanity present both challenges and opportunities to trust in Christ. For those serving and leading in Washington, this episode will interact with how embracing our humanity is actually one of the biggest hurdles to livin…

In this season opener of the second season of The Faithful Presence Podcast, Michael shares a recent sermon that he gave on the final chapter on the book of Acts. In this sermon, Michael addresses the fact that 2023 will probably not be much better than 2022, 2020, all the years before that, and what to do if we aren’t “living our best lives now.” …

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new. In reconsidering and recalibrating James Davidson Hunter's work, "To Change the World," Abe and Greg discuss the central place of "table …

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas? In this highly relevant episode Michael talks with two of the the authors of "Resilient Ministry" and "The Politics o…

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, expanding the expectations of the gospel, and the current impact of Mexican hip-hop in making all things new…

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr. Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than assertions, the importance of admitting the incomplete answers Christians can offer, and the critical role of cult…

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what Britney Spears and Lady Gaga can teach us about Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Links from the episode: …

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and the like. Also, go check out Michael Coggin’s book, Ravenous Wolves: Shepherding the Church in an Age of Na…

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discipleship in the midst of widespread divisiveness and complex issues. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the D…

In this episode, Michael delivers a sermon from the Psalms. He speaks to the reality of depression and anxiety amongst followers of Christ and the Church’s broad silence on those issues as well as the pressure to act like everything is fine when it is not. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What G…

In this bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Virginia. In this sermon, Michael is preaching from 1 Peter 2: 13-17 and he focuses in on what it means for Christian’s to submit to human institutions. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Aroun…

In this episode, Michael hosts Rev. Dr. Charlie Self and they participate in a conversation on vocational discipleship. Together, they wrestle with issues surrounding compartmentalizing work life and spiritual lives and moving towards bridging that gap. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes…

In this bonus episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Vince Bacote as they discuss faith in the public square. Here, they cover hot topics like the recent Dobbs decision and CRT. They also speak to evangelicalism and the complexities of how it has been seen and expressed in American society. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,…

In this episode, Michael meets up with Dr. Dan Sartor to talk about emotional discipleship. Join the both of them as they discuss the necessity of emotional health for flourishing in a high intensity work environment like that of Washington DC. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around C…

In this episode, Michael gets together with Tracy Matthews and Erin Slone from Attune to Grow to discuss relational discipleship. Together they speak to the importance of a safe workplace environment, how relational discipleship plays into that, and what this has to do with Faithful Presence. Check out Attune to Grow at their web sight here. See Am…

In this special bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church on 1 Peter. Listen in on an unpacking of what the Faithful Presence ministry is about how 1 Peter calls us to live faithfully present lives. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Ex…

In this episode, Michael is joined by his first guest, Rev. Patrick Allen! Together, they discuss the necessity of spiritual discipleship within the church. They lament the ways in which spiritual discipleship has been neglected in the past and look forward to ways in which the church can better equip younger generations. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-…

Join Michael as he delves into the importance of cultural and missional discipleship. In this episode, he discusses the complexities of the church's relationship with culture and how cultural and missional discipleship can help to form a more biblical posture towards our non-christian neighbors. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of So…

In this episode, Michael examines the relevance of vocational and ideological discipleship in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and consequently, the relevance it has to our own day-to-day lives. He speaks to how all our work matters, no matter how meaningless it may feel, and also to how Christian values transcend political parties and affi…

After a "long strange trip" Michael returns to host this podcast on the first three facets of whole-life discipleship: spiritual, emotional and relational. Along the way, we learn one of Michael's favorite movies is "High Fidelity" and that he flunked out of college after attempting to major in binge drinking. He also shares his story of coming to …

In this episode, Michael takes us on a deep dive into the reasons why Washington D.C matters to what God is doing in the world and how Faithful Presence is working to care for those working in this great city. Along the way he discusses lessons learned from 15 years in sales, whether America is God's new favorite nation, why we aren't suppose to we…

In this reboot episode, Michael discusses what led to the creation of Faithful Presence and takes everyone on a shallow dive into the mission and vision of the ministry. He also shares a "great" joke about lawyers, explains why yelling "Repent" isn't usually the best approach to folks getting off the Red Line at Union Station, how to talk to philos…